Question

Which of the following describes the Yerkes-Dodson law?

Simple tasks are performed best when arousal levels are relatively high, yet complex tasks are performed best when arousal levels are low.Difficulty: EasyAPA Standard: 1.1, 1.2, 2.2
Humans experience a spectrum of needs ranging from basic biological needs to social needs to self-actualization.
An individual's belief in his own capabilities or capacities to complete a task influences his ability to complete the task.
Deviations from homeostasis create physiological needs that result in psychological drive states that direct behavior to meet the need and ultimately bring the system back to homeostasis.

Answer 1

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that performance on tasks is optimal at a certain level of arousal, with simple tasks requiring higher arousal for best performance and complex tasks requiring lower arousal. Both underarousal and overarousal can hinder performance, underscoring the need for a balance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Yerkes-Dodson law posits that there is an optimal level of arousal for best performance on tasks, but this optimal level depends on the complexity of the task. Specifically, the Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that simple tasks are performed best when arousal levels are relatively high, while complex tasks are best performed when arousal levels are lower. High levels of arousal can lead to improved performance in simple tasks due to increased alertness and energy. However, the same high levels of arousal may hinder performance on complex tasks due to overstimulation and an inability to concentrate effectively.

It is important to find a balance in arousal levels; too high or too low can both negatively impact performance, as depicted in the concept of the optimal arousal level. For example, too low arousal might lead to apathy and boredom, reducing motivation and attention, which is detrimental to carrying out any task. Too high arousal might result in feelings of overwhelming stress or anxiety, which can be paralyzing and thus decrease the quality of performance, particularly in complex tasks. Thus, the Yerkes-Dodson law illustrates the importance of adjusting arousal to match the difficulty level of the task for optimal performance.